Over the years of traveling to Walt Disney World Resort, I have stayed in many types of accommodations. I have stayed in Value Resorts, Moderate Resorts, Disney Vacation Club Villas, and I have even ventured to stay off-site. I have stayed in rooms without a fridge, in rooms with a mini-fridge and I have stayed in Villas with a full sized kitchen. Every trip was unique depending on our travel party size, budget constraints and differing needs and ages of our children at the time. But honestly, having a kitchen has always been my preference. So when should you consider a kitchen a necessity on your next vacation? Here are 5 reasons when I say you should!

1. A villa with a kitchen could be a money saver

One of the biggest benefits of having a fully operational kitchen on vacation may be that it could save you money in the long run. You may be thinking that accommodations with kitchens are going to cost more, and in many cases they do, but usually only upfront. On our vacations, especially when we have traveled with multiple adults, having a kitchen to prepare breakfast, pack up lunches and throw together snacks has always saved us money over eating out for three sit-down meals. (We usually buy bottled water as well to save on purchasing those in the park. With a full sized refrigerator it’s great to always have plenty of cold ones on hand.) Consider the number of people in your travel party, the length of your stay and how many meals you could utilize your kitchen for and calculate whether you think it would save you money. In many cases, I think it will.

Disney’s Beach Club Villas – Photo courtesy the Disney Company

2. You’ll be in control

If you are like me, you may like to control calories or how many food additives your children consume daily. Perhaps you have a child with a food intolerance or you just like to eat some of the same foods that you are used to eating at home to avoid tummy troubles. By utilizing a trusted grocery delivery service, you can ensure that you not only have control over what items you order, but in many cases even the name brand! Being able to rely on trusted name brands when food allergies or tummy troubles are involved may make the difference between a great vacation, and one where time is spent not feeling well or caring for someone that isn’t.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Photo courtesy the Disney Company

3. The Convenience Factor

Another benefit of having a kitchen is the convenience. I’m not sure about you but getting everyone showered and presentable for an early sit-down breakfast all together seems daunting every day of my vacation. We usually have a character breakfast (Cape May being my personal favorite) on departure day so that we have something to look forward to. But every other day of our vacation we have breakfast in the room while everyone takes turns getting ready. This ensures an early as possible arrival time to our park of the day with everyone well fed, and not over fed (which can happen to my family given a plethora of breakfast buffet choices.) Also, no park time is wasted by eating breakfast while the lines to popular attractions tend to be the shortest of the day.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Photo courtesy the Disney Company

4. Disney Leftover’s? Yes, please!

How many times have you wasted amazing food at Disney restaurants while staying in a hotel room without means to properly store or heat up your leftovers? Well, that would be a forgotten problem if your room had a fully functioning kitchen! Take those leftovers, in fact, order extras to go! Then you can have your favorites again for lunch the next day or a late night snack. No more wasted food for you! Fully equipped kitchens will not only have refrigerators to store your food, but microwaves and stoves to reheat them and dishes, pots and pans that are safe to reheat in. When you’re all done, throw those dishes in the dishwasher, there will be no hand washing dishes on your vacation either!

5. Dishwasher

Speaking of that dishwasher, is your ideal vacation spent washing out refillable mugs in the bathroom sink? Or using paper products that end up in the trash? The best appliance that a fully equipped kitchen comes with will be that amazingly convenient dishwasher! And dishwasher soap as well! So if you are like me, and can’t do without your dishwasher for the duration of your relaxing vacation, then this reason alone may convince you!

So there are my 5 reasons to consider having a kitchen on your next Disney World Resort vacation. If you’re reading this and wondering which rooms at Walt Disney World Resort have kitchens? Or you may be thinking that your family may not need a full sized kitchen, what are some other options? Well, the rooms Walt Disney World Resort do vary. But generally all hotel rooms now include a mini refrigerator; Disney Vacation Club studios have a kitchenette with a microwave, toaster, coffee maker and sink. For a full sized kitchen with stove and dishwasher, you’ll want to think about reserving a 1, 2 or 3-bedroom Disney Vaction Club villa. Whichever you chose, enjoy your vacation knowing that you made the best choice possible choice for your family, and then go and have a magical time!

About The Author

Lisa honeymooned with her husband Jeff at Disney over 15 years ago and took one of the first voyages on the Disney Magic! She has since traveled to Disney with young children, teenagers and various aged adult family members, so she knows what it is like to accommodate differing needs. She’s enjoyed all levels of accommodations while staying on property and has a vast knowledge of itinerary planning. She is the go-to-person for anyone she knows who is planning a Disney trip! Lisa enjoys being a stay at home mom to two girls while being very active in her church and learning the art of photography. You can also follow Lisa on her personal blog DisTripQueen.com.